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review
Tools - Portable
Tools - workshop
PRO Chain Tool PRO Chain Tool PRO Chain Tool PRO Chain Tool
2021 PRO Chain Tool

PRO Chain Tool

7
by Matt Page
Sat, May 22, 2021 09:45
1
£24.99

VERDICT:

7
10
Simple but effective tool that should last you years
Does all modern chain sizes
Spare splitting pin included
Lacks adjustability
Weight: 
175g
Contact: 
www.freewheel.co.uk
How we test

At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.

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The PRO Chain Tool feels well made and neatly stores a spare splitting pin, so while it lacks adjustability it should last you a long, long time.

This design is very similar to many recent chain tools, such as the KranX Pro Chain Extractor Stef tested last year. Like that one it's best for a home use, rather than taking on a ride, thanks to its large, non-adjustable handle. The soft rubber grip proves comfortable and ergonomic.

> Find your nearest dealer here

I tested the tool on 9, 11 and 12 speed chains, and it was effective in all cases. The handle gives enough leverage to make the job easy.

2021 PRO Chain Tool - handle.jpg

The build quality is good, and should the splitting pin wear out there's a spare neatly stored in the grip. It's accessible with a 3mm hex key, which should mean it'll still be there if and when you need it.

The one feature that is lacking is the ability to adjust the barrel to prevent pins being pushed all the way through. The LifeLine Pro Chain Rivet Extractor has this function, for instance, and is exactly the same price.

> Beginner's guide to bike tools - get all the vital gear for basic bike maintenance

If you're confident judging when to stop for yourself, of course, this won't be an issue.

2021 PRO Chain Tool - detail 2.jpg

At £24.99 it's reasonably priced against the competition. The KranX Pro Chain Extractor is £5 less and nearly identical, though it lacks the spare rivet pin, for instance, while the Birzman Damselfly Universal Chain Tool is £10 more.

The PRO Chain Tool is effective and works for all modern chain speeds. It lacks any advanced features, but for home mechanics it's probably all you'll ever need.

Verdict

Simple but effective tool that should last you years

road.cc test report

Make and model: PRO Chain Tool

Size tested: 9-12 speed

Tell us what the product is for and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

PRO says: Designed to provide you with a better sports' bicycle experience the PRO Chain Tool allows you to remove links on road, gravel, mountain or E-Bike chains. The updated Chain Tool is now available in two options, a wider gauge 1-9 speed version and a narrower 9-12 speed model. Both models feature an indicator graphic to ensure that you do not use the tool with the incorrect speed chain, and in so doing damage to chain or tool."

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

PRO lists:

Colour – Black/Grey

Material – Steel/TPR

Speed – 9/10/11/12

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
7/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
9/10
Rate the product for comfort (if applicable)
 
7/10
Rate the product for value:
 
5/10

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

It performs well.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Fits a wide range of chains, including 12-speed SRAM Flattop, which not all tools are compatible with.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Relies on personal use, rather than adjustability in the tool to prevent rivet pushing all the way through.

How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?

Against other basic home mechanic chain tools, it's a little more.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? I'd probably get something a bit cheaper

Would you recommend the product to a friend? No

Use this box to explain your overall score

The PRO Chain Tool works well and is suitable for all modern chains, including 12 speed. It does cost a little more than the competition though, with no significant extra features for the extra spend.

Overall rating: 7/10

About the tester

Age: 35  Height: 168  Weight: 62

I usually ride:   My best bike is: Cannondale SystemSix

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, cyclo cross, sportives, mtb, Lots of gravel style riding

PRO Chain Tool 2021
PRO Chain Tool
Pro 2021
Pro
Matt Page

Matt is an endurance nut who loves big rides and big events. He's a former full-time racer and 24hr event specialist, but now is also happy riding off-road on gravel bikes or XC mountain bikes and exploring the mountains and hills of Mid Wales.

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1 comments

Avatar
Mybike | 3 years ago
0 likes

I had one pin broke with in a year, or 2 Shinamo pins

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